Timnath planning commission votes 5-0 to approve conditional use for Ladera self‑storage

The Timnath Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a conditional use permit recommendation for a proposed three‑story self‑storage facility at 4882 Whitesell Street.

The approval on the conditional use — a required discretionary review under the Timnath Land Use Code — followed staff recommendations to limit the site to indoor storage only and to restrict uses to storage, leasing and management offices. Staff also noted standard code restrictions on lighting and operations would apply and that the item will move through the town’s public hearing process, which includes review by both the planning commission and the town council.

Chad, planning staff, told commissioners the 1.7‑acre parcel (Lot 1, Block 2, Ladera Subdivision Filing No. 2) is zoned regional commercial and that self‑storage is listed as a conditional use in that zone. "These are the uses that are permitted in the underlying zone district, but they're subject to specific conditions," Chad said, listing examples such as hours of operation, access, and screening. Steven Crawford, representing Jordan Architects and Vintana Capital, said the proposal is a 103,205‑square‑foot building with 739 units, staffed by one to two employees per shift and operating from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. "There is secure access provided via one entrance gate and one exit and emergency vehicle access gate as well," Crawford said.

Commissioners focused questions on lighting, parking and security. Commissioner Tom Wood raised concerns about nighttime lighting and whether the facility would remain illuminated all night, asking, "Do you intend to have lighting like that?" Chad and the applicant responded that Timnath's code limits lighting (including reduced illumination outside of operating hours) and that the project proposes LED interior lighting and security cameras. The applicant said the site would be fenced, require personalized PINs for entry and include cameras to monitor activity; Crawford said the design includes elevators and a north‑side parking/loading area to serve tenant access. The applicant estimated about 15 vehicle visits per day despite the building's unit count, and staff recommended conditioning the approval to prohibit outdoor storage and to restrict use of units to storage only.

Without amendments, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use permit and a second was given. The motion carried 5-0.

The planning commission's action is a recommendation consistent with the town's conditional use process; any final approval would come through the town council hearing stage required by the Timnath Land Use Code.